Should I register for IFTA in Iowa?
Yes, The state of Iowa considers a qualified motor vehicle as one that is designed, used, or maintained for the transportation of persons or property that have:
- Two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms; or
- Having three or more axles regardless of weight; or used in combination, when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds, or 11,797 kilograms gross vehicle or registered gross vehicle weight.
The state of Iowa does not include recreational vehicles in the IFTA tax unless they are used in conjunction with any business endeavor. Recreational vehicles include motor homes, pickup trucks with attached campers and buses when used exclusively for personal pleasure by an individual.
How do I apply for an IFTA license in Iowa?
You will need to complete IFTA application form and submit it to Office of Motor Carrier Services. Contact Iowa regarding how to obtain an IFTA application.
What does Iowa charge for an IFTA license and
vehicle decals?
Iowa charges a $10 fee for the IFTA license and $0.50 for each set of IFTA decals. One set of IFTA decals is required per qualified motor vehicle.
What IFTA credentials will I receive from Iowa?
One IFTA license and a set of decals will be assigned to each IFTA licensee. A photocopy of the license must be maintained in the cab of each motor vehicle. The original license should be kept in a safe place at your business address. Your IFTA license is valid for the calendar year January 1 through December 31.
Do I file a quarterly fuel tax report if I didn't run during
the quarter?
Yes, the state of Iowa still requires you to submit a "zero" report even if no fuel or IFTA mileage was traveled in that quarter. This can be generated at ExpressIFTA.
What is the penalty and interest rate for filing a late quarterly fuel tax report Iowa?
There is a late penalty of $50 or 10% of the taxes due, whichever is greater. Interest is computed on all unpaid taxes dues to each jurisdiction at a rate of .4167% per month. Even if you are do a net refund, interest still applies to each jurisdiction for any underpayment of fuels use tax to that jurisdiction. This is calculated form the first day the payment is considered overdue.
How do I obtain a IFTA return for Iowa?
You can generate and print an IFTA quarterly use tax return at ExpressIFTA. Also, you can file online at www.iowa.gov if your are comfortable doing IFTA calculations on your own.